Expired passport lifeline offered ahead of major UK entry rule change

From February 25, dual British nationals must present a valid UK passport or obtain a certificate of entitlement to enter the UK; the Home Office has said carriers may accept an expired British passport at their discretion if the traveller also holds a valid foreign passport.

New UK entry rules for dual British nationals come into force on February 25. Under the change, people with British nationality who also hold another passport must present a valid British passport to board flights, ferries or trains to the UK or obtain a certificate of entitlement. The Home Office has informed carriers they can, at their own discretion, accept an expired British passport alongside a valid foreign passport. Border Force will continue to assess a person's suitability to enter the UK on arrival. Key facts: - New rules from February 25 require dual British nationals to present a valid UK passport or a certificate of entitlement to travel to the UK. - The certificate of entitlement is reported to cost £589. - The Home Office has told carriers they may accept an expired British passport at their discretion if the traveller also holds a valid passport from another country; acceptance is not guaranteed. - On arrival, Border Force will assess a person's suitability to enter and may conduct checks; passport details must match including name, date of birth and place. Summary: Officials say the change is part of the Home Office's new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) programme and comes into force on February 25. The immediate effect is that many dual nationals will need to present a valid British passport to board, though carriers have been advised they may accept expired British passports at their discretion.